Latest news with #vehicleTesting
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota invests more than $50M in Arizona testing center
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Toyota Motor North America is investing more than $50 million to improve its vehicle testing site in Arizona, the company announced in a press release. The Arizona Mobility Test Center at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds — used by Toyota and outside companies — is expanding to include a new 5.5-mile track, new ride and handling surfaces, an off-road park for capability testing and additional areas for various vehicle tests. Most of these projects are already complete or will be completed by the end of 2025. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service In the future, the company also plans to add an area for the development and testing of advanced driver assistance technology. 'Site updates make [the facility] more attractive as an ideal place for companies to test new vehicle capabilities, including by Toyota for our own North American-developed vehicle line-up,' Stefan Young, vice president of research and development at TMNA, said in a July 2 statement. Located about 60 miles north of Phoenix, the test center covers approximately 11,650 acres of the Sonoran Desert. Toyota opened the facility in 1993 and tested more than 50 Toyota and Lexus vehicles there before it expanded the test center's access to other automakers and suppliers in 2021. The move at the time to expand access was 'an opportunity to create new value with a capital-intensive asset, opening a revenue stream that can be used for continuous improvements on the facility,' said Randy Stephens, who was then a group vice president in product performance engineering, at the announcement of the expansion. Beyond the test center's value as a revenue stream, the investment in North American research and development for Japan-based Toyota reflects the company's commitment to regionalized business practices, which it has described as a philosophy of 'building where it sells.' Investing in domestic research and development can also support localized manufacturing, a strategy Toyota and other automakers are pursuing to mitigate the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. Recommended Reading Flexibility key in tariff turmoil: Toyota, Rivian execs Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Edmunds
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
Tested: 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Plug-in Hybrid Is Freakin' Insane
Hold on to your butts Look at those stats! This 4,805-pound roadster went from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 10.4 seconds at 134.4 mph. This makes the SL 63 S E Performance the quickest Mercedes-Benz vehicle we've tested to date, besting the non-hybrid SL 63 by 0.6 second in the 0-60 sprint and nearly a full second in the quarter mile. My goodness. Then again, considering this droptop makes 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque, are these acceleration numbers really a surprise? The SL 63 S E Performance combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor fed by a 4.8-kWh battery located in the trunk. The result is instant thrust off the line, plus supplemental power for passing. You think the 0-60 sprint is quick? The 40-80 mph jump is just as wild. "Our VBox data recorder measured 1.23 g of acceleration, which has to be one of the highest ratings I've seen/felt," wrote senior vehicle test editor Kurt Niebhur. "Acceleration in launch control is on par with some of the quickest EVs, but what's wild is the utter lack of drama that accompanies this speed. The SL 63 doesn't squat down when it takes off, and it has zero wheelspin. You're just gently but rapidly pushed back into the seat. 75 mph comes and goes well before most cars have even sniffed 45 mph, and the SL 63 positively rips through the quarter mile at speeds that put our dearly loved Shelby GT500 to shame. 134.4 mph? That's outrageous."
Zawya
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
President Ramkalawan Attends the Official Opening of State-of-the-Art Praslin Vehicle Testing Station
President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official opening ceremony of the new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station at Île Eve, Baie Ste Anne, Praslin, marking a significant milestone in the decentralization of transport services and the enhancement of road safety standards across Seychelles. The modern facility, construction of which commenced in 2023, was built at a cost of SCR 15.5 million and represents a major advancement from the previous manual testing system conducted at the SPTC depot in Amitié. The new station introduces cutting-edge automated testing technology, with 90% of vehicle inspections now conducted using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring greater accuracy, fairness, and transparency in the testing process. The comprehensive facility also houses amenities for novice drivers to undertake theory driving tests and provides accommodation for visiting staff. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister for Transport Antony Derjacques emphasized the facility's broader significance: "Today, we open more than just a building – we open a new chapter in public service delivery, one that brings precision, professionalism, and parity in transport services to Praslin." The facility will serve Praslin's approximately 1,200 vehicles, which form part of the national fleet of 28,000. Beyond vehicle testing, the station will provide comprehensive services including spare parts importation assessments, vehicle condition evaluations for maintenance purposes, and technical assistance to police for accident investigations and spot checks. The Principal Secretary for Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. David Bianchi, highlighted the journey to completion, stating: "Despite challenges including COVID-19, material shortages, adverse weather conditions, and logistical issues, we have successfully delivered this world-class facility after 18 months of dedicated work." He expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and valuable contributions in realizing the project. In his keynote address, President Ramkalawan expressed pride and commitment of Government in advancing critical infrastructure at the disposal on the community. 'It is an honour for me to officially inaugurate the new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station—an essential step forward in modernising the services we offer to our people. This facility is a symbol of progress and a reflection of our continued commitment to improving infrastructure that directly benefits our communities. Together, we continue to move Praslin and our country forward.' The new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station exemplifies the government's steadfast commitment to building a smarter, safer, and more inclusive transport network that serves the needs of every Seychellois across all islands. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
No more 1-hour queues: Dubai RTA's online booking system eases vehicle testing
For Syed Azeez, yearly vehicle testing was one of those chores he kept putting off, until it became urgent. His car's registration had already expired on May 10, and with only a few days left in the grace period, he rushed to the Shamil Vehicle Testing Centre in Muhaisnah. To his surprise, the centre wasn't crowded at all. 'Last year, I had to wait for more than 45 minutes just to hand over my car to the technician,' said Azeez, who drives a Lexus IS 300, 2018. At the entrance, a security guard advised him to book an appointment online. 'I booked the slot, received a token, and handed over my car. Within 20 minutes, the test was complete, and I had the results,' he said. Starting June 2, vehicle owners in Dubai must book an appointment online for their annual technical inspection, as mandated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The rule applies to all 27 vehicle testing centres across the city, except Tasjeel Hatta. While walk-ins are still allowed, they now come with a Dh100 service fee. The move follows a successful six-month pilot at Al Qusais and Al Barsha, where waiting times dropped by 46 per cent. According to the RTA, the system will reduce congestion, cut wait times by nearly 40 per cent, and streamline operations at busy centres that previously operated at over 80 per cent capacity. Azeez said the system saved him a lot of time and stress. 'I didn't waste time standing in queues. I went straight in and straight out. It used to take me over an hour before,' he said. Once his vehicle passed the test, the rest of the process was just as seamless. 'I renewed my insurance online, cleared a small fine, and completed the registration, all within five minutes using the RTA app,' he added. 'No paperwork, no running around. Just peace of mind.' Game changer for working professionals Riya Joseph, a resident of Al Nahda and a marketing executive at an FMCG company, said the new system is ideal for busy professionals. 'I have back-to-back meetings on most days, so standing in a queue for an hour is just not possible,' she said. Driving a Kia Sportage 2021, she booked her slot at the same location and left the Muhaisnah centre within 20 minutes. 'There were barely any cars waiting. It was so well-organised,' she said, adding that the system made the entire experience smoother. 'The staff wasn't stressed, the area was calm, and I didn't feel rushed or confused like before. It was really professional.' She also pointed out an added benefit — fuel savings. 'In earlier years, I used to keep the car running while waiting in long queues. This time, I saved on fuel.' 'No rush, no stress' Sameer Akram, a Sharjah resident who drives a Toyota Corolla 2018, booked his test at the Al Qusais Tasjeel Centre, a location that previously saw heavy crowds. 'This time, I reached at my scheduled time, drove in without waiting, and the inspection was done in around 15 minutes,' said the outdoor sales executive. 'The app showed my vehicle had passed. Right after that, I opened the app, renewed my insurance, paid fines, and registered my vehicle. The whole thing took less than 30 minutes, start to finish.' Sameer, who has three vehicles at home, said registration renewal used to be time-consuming. 'I once got fined over Dh500 for missing the deadline. Now, it feels like a burden lifted off of my shoulders.' He added that centres like Al Qusais used to operate with waiting times of nearly an hour. 'I remember seeing long lines and waiting over an hour in the past. Now, the centre feels much more balanced and organised.' Some still unaware of the new rule While the new system has eased the process for many, a few motorists were caught off guard, unaware that prior booking is now mandatory to avoid delays and extra charges. Asgar Rehman, a vehicle maintenance expert and a reseller of cars who often gets testing done at least 7 times a month did not schedule an appointment. 'I wasn't aware of the new rule. I thought it was the usual first-come, first-served,' he said. After arriving, staff informed him he had to book a slot online or pay Dh100 extra. 'I had to wait about 40 minutes just to book my appointment as the slots were full, then return to the queue to get the vehicle tested. It delayed my plans for the day.' 'It's a good system, but I wish I had known earlier. A simple reminder or alert on the RTA app would have helped me,' added Rehman.
